Monday, September 30, 2024

Centrifugal governor


 This was a nice object to find. I didn't buy it, how would you display it?

11 comments:

  1. It looks big. Is it? Just how big, roughly?

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  2. Allegedly the origin of the expression, "Balls to the wall".

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    1. Actually, this type of governor gave the expression "Balls out", because at full speed, the arms and balls would extend from the shaft.

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  3. The balls are 3-4” diameter. The whole thing is 16-18 inches tall. I should provide something for scale. Apologies.

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  4. That's the start of a nice lamp

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  5. If only I had some wrenches to add to it:-)

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  6. how fast does it turn for it to bottom, out forcing the spring tension and the what have you. need that to be answered.

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  7. It looks like this Otis Elevator governor; the arms may even be bronze as well.

    https://www.facebook.com/NationalAssociationofElevatorContractors/posts/what-a-surprise-this-morning-this-beautiful-trophy-of-elevator-work-was-donated-/5988443554518713/

    https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/300179656_5988426067853795_8720153210914080313_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=b5s4sb4IvG8Q7kNvgHiWLzg&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aky4F6N9W2MzjF2az2ZPg7r&oh=00_AYB28sgGZiNPd62XslAkO8TpGDQDbXavJamawojRwL8QGQ&oe=670258D5

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  8. Following those links, now I want the whole machine! I never considered a governor for elevators before. The one I found has no spec-plate on it, and the cast-in text is probably just casting I.D. I agree with Marshall, I want to spin it up fast!

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  9. I didn't know about elevator governors either. Otis came up with number of elevator safety innovations and they have a test tower in Bristol, CT:

    https://www.courant.com/wp-content/uploads/migration/2017/07/27/AX3MQLIDPFCGFKNSPFCV2RZ6PI.jpg?w=1101

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  10. I went back and looked at it, on the price tag it was described as an elevator governor. Things ya learn :-)

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